Warmer temperatures and increased winds have expanded a wildfire in the western Smoky Mountains.
The South Barker Fire, ignited by lightning Aug. 7 in the Willow Creek drainage on the Sawtooth National Forest's Fairfield Ranger District, is now estimated at 4,691 acres, a Forest Service news release stated Tuesday.
Smoky conditions have increased in the nearby rural communities of Pine and Featherville. The fire continues to back down into grass and sagebrush with occasional tree torching and spotting along the north side of the fire and within its interior.
The blaze is being managed as a "wildland fire use" event, meaning that it will be allowed to burn until it threatens public safety or valuable structures. Wildland fire use is the "management of a naturally ignited wildland fire to accomplish resource management objectives for specific areas," the news release states.
On the west flank of the South Barker Fire, fire crews are working to hold existing hand line to minimize additional spread into the Boise National Forest. To monitor the increasing smoke levels, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is working with the Sawtooth National Forest to place air quality monitors in the valley. The monitors are expected to be in place this weekend.
Due to the proximity of the fire and for the safety of firefighters and the public, campgrounds, roads and trails have been closed. Contact the Fairfield Ranger District for details, at (208) 764-3222.
Firefighters are also tending another blaze on the Fairfield Ranger District. Called the Johnson Creek 2 Fire, the eight-acre blaze will also be managed as a wildland use fire for resource benefit. The fire is located northeast of the South Barker Fire near Johnson Creek.
